Local Artist…Ruth Schneider from Bondi Beach

By James Hutton on December 17, 2021 in People

Be like water, my friend. Photo: Rob Schneider

Local artist Ruth Schneider is the creative talent behind this month’s cover painting. Ruth shares her local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? I’ve lived in the Eastern Suburbs most of my life. I enjoyed the beach as a young girl, then I got married and had three children, and now my grandkids all enjoy the beach lifestyle.

Why do you live here? I love living in Bondi, as most of my art inspiration comes from my surroundings. If it’s not Sydney Harbour then it’s our beautiful Bondi Beach.

What’s your favourite beach? I love all the beaches. The water soothes my soul and enlightens me from within. A lot of my art has blue in it, my brush just seems to go there.

What’s your favourite eatery? I love Bondi Trattoria, Pompeii Italian and Wet Paint in Bronte.

Where do you like to have a drink? I don’t really drink much, but in summer my husband and I go to the North Bondi RSL. It’s been nicely renovated and has a spectacular view.

What is the best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The variety of people, the cafes and the Icebergs, where we spend a lot of time. My husband swims across the bay all year round with a great bunch of people.

How would you describe your art? I paint very intuitively, meaning it often comes from within. I have a few different loves, like water, swimmers and flowers, so I don’t like to stick with one subject. I love to bring colour to my work.

Who are your artistic inspirations? Tracey Sylvester Harris, Elizabeth Lennie from Canada, and a local favourite is Martine Emdur. They all paint water subjects, which I find so inspiring. Mia Oatley and Helena McConochie-MacInnes are inspirations too.

Where can people see your work? On my Instagram at
@Ruthschneider_art, or in my studio by appointment.

What are you working on at the moment? I’m always working on something new, and have been working on some abstract pieces that have been received warmly. This is so humbling and encourages me to continue in my art practice.

When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? As a child I always drew any time I had the chance.

Did you study art? I went to The National Art School in Sydney, where I studied fashion design and worked in the industry designing and creating fabulous wedding gowns. We did a lot of painting, fashion drawing and life drawing. I’ve always done different courses to extend my knowledge and techniques.

Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? I’m not a philosopher, but regarding art, I say paint what you love and it will be seen and felt in your artwork! Do as many classes as you need and keep painting any chance you get.

Who is your favourite person? My husband and our three adult children, who are very supportive of my art, and our two grandchildren who give us so much joy.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Do what you love and you’ll never feel like you’re really working. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.